DIY Castor Oil Packs (Reduce Inflammation, Relieve Joint Pain + More)

Detox from the outside in with this warm castor oil pack that relieves muscle pain and improves circulation.

With benefits that can be absorbed right through the skin, castor oil packs are an easy way to find relief during your “me time” ritual. All you need to do is apply the castor oil pack and lay back as it goes to work relieving menstrual pain, detoxifying your liver, moisturizing your skin, and even boosting your immune system!

Castor oil can be purchased online and in health food stores. Be sure to purchase organic, cold-pressed castor oil to ensure the purest form is being absorbed into the skin. To start reaping the benefits right away, you can easily put together a DIY castor oil pack using flannel cloths, a Mason jar, and a heating pad. The cloths are saturated in castor oil and then applied to sore muscles, dry areas, or any part of the body that needs a little TLC. A fabric wrap may be used to help hold the pack in place. These are specifically designed to secure around the pack and tie or velcro in place. A fabric wrap can be purchased online or in holistic health food stores. When in doubt, wrap a large piece of flannel around the affected area.

Wondering how an oil can be capable of healing wounds and boosting the body’s defense system without being taken internally? It’s primarily because castor oil is made up of a rare compound called ricinoleic acid that, when absorbed through the skin, helps boost white blood cells, supporting immune and lymphatic systems (1). The lymphatic system is responsible for carrying toxins out of the body, so if you’re experiencing chronic fatigue, joint pain and recurring illnesses, a congested lymph system might be to blame. If this is the case, use your castor oil pack over your abdomen to help cleanse your liver and lymph systems (2).

While conclusive studies on castor oil packs are still needed, there are preliminary studies supporting castor oil’s ability to relieve the following ailments:

As with any holistic remedy, consult with a doctor before using and take special precaution if you are pregnant, as castor oil can stimulate contractions.

Castor oil is also used internally for natural relief of constipation, producing a laxative effect. Internal consumption of castor oil is recognized as safe by the FDA (7), but as mentioned above, consult your naturopath or doctor first, as cases of digestive upset have been reported.

To make your homemade castor oil wrap, place a flannel cloth into a quart-sized jar and slowly pour castor oil over it. You want the cloth to absorb the oil but not be dripping, otherwise it will get messy when applied. When you are ready to use, have all of your supplies handy and lay them on an old sheet or towel in case any oil spills over. Apply the saturated cloth to your lower abdomen or wherever you need relief, and cover the area in a stretchy fabric to hold the cloth in place. Place a hot water bottle or heating pad on top and relax for at least half an hour to reap the full benefits. Read a book, watch TV, or meditate while your pack goes to work.

Tip: You can reuse your castor oil pack! Store your cloth in the Mason jar and reuse it until the cloth starts to change color. Add extra oil as needed.

Jennafer Ashley

Jenna is a Registered Dietetic Technician and recipe developer specializing in healthy eating. She styles and photographs recipes for her website, Fresh and Fit , as well as contributes to a variety of websites. In her free time, Jenna enjoys trying new restaurants and hiking with her German Shepherd.